The Deutschland- and Braunschweig-class ships could manage only about 18 to 19 knots, making them awkward companions for a modern fleet. Germany nevertheless selected six because it needed every credible hull and gun it could bring to the operation. Their presence was not imposed by the Royal Navy or an accidental mobilization choice: the High Seas Fleet controlled the timing and composition of its sortie. Later gun totals show that the older ships contributed 24 heavy weapons to a force still greatly outgunned. The decision illustrates how numerical weakness can force a commander to accept tactical limitations in exchange for additional firepower.
Notable Point · 41:38-44:35
Why Germany accepted slow pre-dreadnoughts at Jutland
Six slow pre-dreadnoughts were an intentional attempt to add hulls and heavy guns to a badly outnumbered German battle line.